From one extreme to the other

More than 24 hours after the magnificant display against Fulham, I still can't get over it, mainly because I haven't been to sleep since but that's besides the point. Wednesday night saw, undenyably the best performance by an Imps' side in a long long time and we were unlucky not to take it to penalties but at least we did ourselves proud and Marriott has come out of the game with well deserved, national acclaim.

However, that is now all in the past and we must refocus for the weekend's trip to Torquay, if we play like we did the other night, then we'll make absolute mince meat out of the bottom side, however, when do City ever win these games?

To be honest, I haven't got a clue. Every player will fancy their chances of a starting slot. The only players likely to miss out are Jamie McCombe (thigh), Robinson (soon to make his debut, maybe) and Keates who hobbled off in the Cup.

Who I think will start (Right to left)

Marriott

Beevers     Morgan    McAuley   Mayo

Cryan     Kerr     Brown

Birch  Green

In 2003/4, Torquay were easily the best side that Lincoln played. They totally dominated the Imps and that is not something many teams did once that season, let alone twice. The Gulls were deservedly promoted but were quickly relegated back despite getting 51 points last season.

This season has started badly and they currently sit bottom of the football league after winning just one of their games so far this season. A respectable opening day draw against Notts County was followed by a 1-0 away defeat to Oxford, 4 days later, Mansfield comfortably beat them 3-0 at Field Mill. Bristol Rovers were the next team to travel to Torquay and the Gulls had a 2-0 lead going into the final 15 minutes and still managed to lose 3-2.

A 0-0 draw at Peterborough was followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to Chester. A 4-1 thrashing at Rochdale followed but a week later, they finally recorded a victory at home to Shrewsbury. However, "normal" service resumed last week when they lost 3-0 at Grimsby.

The last meeting between the two sides came in January 2004.Fowler gave the Gulls a 7th minute lead before Mayo equalised half way through the first period. However, Hill restored the advantage in the 56th minute before Kuffour made it 3-1 with an excellent team goal.

The meeting at Plainmoor that season was heading for 0-0. Torquay had battered the Imps and had 14 shots in the second half alone. Just as it looked like City had held on for their first point of the season, Matt Hockley stepped up in the 89th minute and gave them a 1-0 win.

In 2002/3, the game at Plainmoor ended 0-0 and very few Lincoln fans will need to be reminded about what happened in the meeting at Sincil Bank. City just needed to avoid defeat to go into the playoffs but Martin Gritton was the southerners a surprise lead midway through the first half after a mix up between Marriott and Morgan. Marriott saved a 2nd half penalty but it looked as though City's dreams were over until Butcher pumped a ball forward and 25 yards out, Simon Yeo swung his left leg at the ball. The shot, destined to go out for a goal kick, hit Ruben Hazell's shoulder and deflected into the net and City were into the playoffs.